
carriage by individuals (Graham el al., 2006),
likely facilitated by hand-to-mouth or hand-
to-nose contact while using these fabrics
(ASM, 2005). Isolation of Staphylococcus
aureus from almost all the bathroom towels
in d i c a t es t h e ir u b i qu i t o u s nat u r e.
Additionally, they can be sources of infection
to humans as previously noted (Hartmann el
al., 2004; Inweregbu e1 a!., 2005; Ikeh and
Isamade, 2011).
From the findings in this study, it was
observed that most of the isolates obtained
were resistant to most commonly used
antibiotics. These antibiotics are ceftazidime
(100%), cefuroxime (100%), gentamycin
(20%), ceftriaxone (100%), erythromycin
(90%), cloxacillin (100%),ofloxacin (10%)
and augmentin (100%). The resistance to
these antibiotics which is in accord with the
research earned out by Adewoyin el
al.,(2013), who reported that antibiotic
resistant microorganism contaminates fabric
surfaces such as bathroom towels. Moreover,
reported that most of the isolates obtained in
their study were resistant to commonly used
antibiotics such as ceftazidime, gentamycin,
augmentin and erythromycin.
The biofilm producing ability of the
isolates was also studied using the CRA
plate test method (Handke el al., 2004;
Oliveira el al, 2006). All the isolates (1-20)
produced biofilm. In particular, isolates 3,
5, 12, and 13 produced the most biofilm
(strong). On the other isolates 15, 16, 18.
19 were moderate biofilm formers.
Isolates 1,2,4,6,7,8.9,10,11,14, 17, 20
were weak producers of biofilm. There is a
significant difference between the three
groups (p < 0.05). This is consistent with
the findings by Stewart and Costerton,
(2001) and Ito el al., (2009) who
documented that the structure of biofilm in
Slaphylococcus spp including the
robustness and its components show
association with antibiotic resistance.
Also, Arciola el al., (2015) reported that
intercellular adhesion (ica) genes encode
PIAs which in turn regulate the biofilm
formation since icaA. and icaD genes are
associated with biofilm formation. Biofilm
production was shown by isolates on Congo
Red Agar and presence oficaD gene.
CONCLUSION
Recently, infections from bathroom fabrics
particularly towels are rising at an alarming rate.
The causes of these infections can be connected to
increased microbial load of bathroom fabric
including bathroom towels. The findings from this
study indicate that there is a high level of bacterial
contamination on bathroom towels. This is of
tremendous clinical significance, because of its
potential to cause epidemics in school hostels.
Moreover, the antibiotic susceptibility of isolates
showed resistance to at least three antibiotics.
Furthermore, it indicated a similar scenario in other
places. The rise of antibiotic resistance in microbes,
especially pathogenic organisms can lead to lethal
outcomes. Therefore, it should be tackled with high
importance. However, this problem is not limited to
this area of study alone. Thus, this will require
combined effort of governmental, private
organizations and individuals to educate the
population on personal and environmental
hygiene.
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Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu Nike, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Biofilm forming ability and the presence of icaD Gene in Bacteria
Isolated From Bathing Towels of Students of a Private Tertiary Institution